Had to fix the original, which I've thrown into scraps. The reflection was bothering me far too much to just leave it. I think the red adds a bit to the piece as well. Hope you like it at least a little.

So, some people were kinda confused about the 'message' behind this piece. Is the kid a Nazi? (No.) Yadda yadda. Basically, I just wanted to capture the feel of feeling helpless against those that don't want to hear you out yet standing firm in what you believe in. We've all fought with someone about prejudice, whether it was regarding the color of someones skin or their sexual preference, and all of us have experienced the utter frustration and disillusionment that comes with the person you're arguing with being completely deaf to your point. That's what I was trying to portray here, in a way.

I picture this kid, who is bold enough to advertise his beliefs upon the sleeve of his coat, walking into a crappy public restroom only to be faced with a wall of bathroom mirrors covered in swastikas and hateful graffiti... and suddenly it hits him that despite how right he might be, there's no such thing as changing the world. Not the way he wishes he could.

I think this version is a vast improvement over the last. I distorted the reflection and added the red bits.

General Specs:
Charcoal on 90 lb paper.
Soft pastel for the colored parts.
14" x 20"

Full view please.


Original available for purchase. Note me for pricing.